CSK CEO Denies Request to Reintroduce 'Uncapped' Rule for MS Dhoni

CSK CEO Denies Request to Reintroduce ‘Uncapped’ Rule for MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanath has dismissed rumors that the franchise requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate a scrapped rule to acquire MS Dhoni at a reduced price. Previously, international players who had retired for five years were classified as “uncapped” in the IPL, allowing them to be acquired at a lower cost. However, this rule was abolished after the 2021 IPL season.

Reports emerged that CSK sought the reintroduction of this rule to retain Dhoni as an “uncapped” player, potentially reducing his salary to as low as Rs 4 crore. The franchise had previously retained Dhoni for Rs 12 crore in 2022.

However, Viswanath has denied these claims, stating, “We’ve not requested for it. They (the BCCI) have themselves told us that the ‘uncapped player rule’ may be kept, that’s all. They (the BCCI) haven’t announced anything as yet. The rules and regulations will be announced by the BCCI.”

The uncertainty surrounding Dhoni’s future in the IPL persists ahead of the upcoming mega auction. The 43-year-old has remained silent on his participation in IPL 2025, fueling speculation about his retirement.

If Dhoni decides to retire, CSK will face a dilemma. Retaining him as a player would consume one of the limited slots available before the auction. However, the franchise is reluctant to part ways with the legendary cricketer, who has led them to five IPL titles.

CSK’s decision will be influenced by Dhoni’s performance in the upcoming season. If he continues to perform at a high level, the franchise may consider retaining him. However, if his form declines, they may opt to release him to free up a slot for a younger player.

Dhoni Set to Become Uncapped Player in 2025 IPL, Boosting CSK's Retention Options

Dhoni Set to Become Uncapped Player in 2025 IPL, Boosting CSK’s Retention Options

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a significant move that could impact the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. According to sources, the BCCI is likely to categorize Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an uncapped player, a move that would significantly reduce the cost of retaining the legendary cricketer.

Under the current IPL player regulations, players who have retired from international cricket for at least five years are placed in the uncapped category. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, would qualify for this category under the proposed rule change. This means that CSK could retain Dhoni for a mere Rs 4 crores, a significant reduction from the Rs 12 crores they paid in 2022.

The BCCI’s decision to revisit the uncapped player rule is reportedly driven by the CSK management’s request during a meeting with IPL franchise owners on July 31. Dhoni, who has been a key figure for CSK since the inaugural IPL season, has expressed his desire to continue playing for the franchise.

Despite handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of IPL 2024, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the CSK batting lineup. In the 2023 season, he scored 161 runs in just 73 balls, showcasing his ability to contribute in the death overs.

Dhoni has indicated that he will wait for the official IPL player regulations before making a decision on his future. However, the BCCI’s move to categorize him as an uncapped player could make it more financially feasible for CSK to retain his services.

The BCCI’s decision is expected to have a ripple effect on other IPL franchises, as it could set a precedent for the treatment of retired international players. It remains to be seen how the other teams will respond to this potential rule change and whether it will lead to a shift in the retention strategies of the franchises.

RCB's Playoff Hopes Soar After Fifth Consecutive Win

RCB’s Playoff Hopes Soar After Fifth Consecutive Win

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoff race intensified on Sunday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their fifth consecutive win, defeating Delhi Capitals by 47 runs. This victory propelled RCB to 12 points from 13 matches, with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.387, boosting their chances of a top-four finish.

RCB’s next challenge lies in facing five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a virtual knockout contest. The winner of this match will advance to the playoffs, while the loser will be eliminated. CSK currently holds the third spot in the points table with 7 wins in 13 matches and an NRR of +0.528.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), with an additional game in hand, has 14 points from 12 matches and an NRR of +0.406. SRH’s remaining fixtures include matches against Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings. A single victory in either of these matches could secure their playoff berth.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) remains in contention but must win both their remaining matches due to their poor NRR of -0.769. Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals are mathematically in the race but can only accumulate a maximum of 14 points, making it unlikely for them to surpass CSK, RCB, LSG, or SRH in the top-four battle.

RCB’s qualification scenario hinges on SRH winning one or both of their matches to secure the third spot and LSG winning no more than one. In this case, the final playoff spot would be determined by the match between CSK and RCB, which would become a virtual eliminator.

To surpass CSK’s run rate, RCB must win by 18 runs or more if CSK scores 200 batting first. If RCB faces a target of 201, they must chase it down with approximately 11 balls remaining.

IPL 2024 Playoff Race Heats Up: Three Spots Still Up for Grabs

IPL 2024 Playoff Race Heats Up: Three Spots Still Up for Grabs

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season nearing its conclusion, the race for the playoffs intensifies. While Kolkata Knight Riders have already secured their spot, three berths remain up for grabs. Here’s a detailed analysis of the contenders and their chances:

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

RCB’s recent resurgence has propelled them into contention. With 12 points from 13 games, they have a chance to reach 14 if they defeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their final match. However, their qualification depends on other results, as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) can both reach 16 points. If the RCB-CSK game becomes a knockout, RCB needs to win by 18 runs (if they score 200) to surpass CSK’s net run rate.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK’s victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) has boosted their playoff hopes. With 14 points from 13 games, they can secure a top-four finish by defeating RCB in their last match. If they lose, they must hope that SRH or LSG remain below 16 points. Additionally, their margin of defeat must be narrow to stay ahead of RCB on run rate.

Delhi Capitals (DC)

DC’s 47-run loss to RCB has severely damaged their playoff chances. With a net run rate of -0.482, they are unlikely to finish among the top four. Their best hope lies in SRH suffering heavy defeats, CSK beating RCB, and LSG winning no more than one game and staying below DC on run rate. However, these scenarios are highly improbable.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

RR’s three consecutive defeats have put their playoff spot in jeopardy. With 16 points from 12 games, they can still be overtaken by four other teams. However, LSG’s poor net run rate makes it unlikely that they will challenge RR’s position. A win or two in their remaining matches should seal a top-two finish for RR.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

SRH’s net run rate of 0.406 is superior to LSG’s. One win in their two remaining games should ensure qualification, while two wins could make them contenders for a top-two finish. However, two losses could put them in trouble, as CSK and RCB could both finish ahead of them on NRR.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

LSG’s poor net run rate of -0.769 means they need 16 points to be in contention. Even then, they could fall short if CSK and SRH also finish on 16, as their NRRs are much superior. Even if RR lose two, it’s highly unlikely that LSG can catch up with them on run rate.

Gujarat Titans (GT)

GT can reach 14 points, but their terrible run rate of -1.063 makes it almost impossible for them to challenge for a playoff position.

CSK Skipper Gaikwad Prefers Spin-Friendly Chepauk Wicket

CSK Skipper Gaikwad Prefers Spin-Friendly Chepauk Wicket

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has expressed his preference for the slow and spin-friendly Chepauk wicket, which has been a key factor in their success over the years. After a five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a low-scoring IPL encounter, Gaikwad emphasized the importance of spinners on such surfaces.

“Definitely we would love to play on such wickets. It brings our spinners into play and with huge boundaries, there is an amount of risk to hit sixes,” Gaikwad said.

CSK’s spinners, led by Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja, played a crucial role in restricting RR to a below-par total of 141 for five. Ali picked up two wickets, while Jadeja was economical, conceding just 20 runs in his four overs.

Gaikwad, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 42 off 41 deliveries, highlighted the need for patience on such wickets. “As a team, we have stroke-players so my job was to stay there till the end,” he said.

Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, CSK’s strong start in the Powerplay helped them cruise to victory. “When we were 55-1, I felt we were cruising. One or two wickets can allow the opposition to get back. Generally, I thought we were cruising and there was no pressure until the end,” Gaikwad added.

RR skipper Sanju Samson acknowledged the challenges of playing on away wickets, especially with the onset of summer. “We are not really sure what to expect from away games. We thought batting first was the better option,” Samson said.

However, he noted that the wicket played better in the second innings than expected. “They had a better idea of what to chase being used to playing here, we thought it would have been slower in the second innings, but the wicket was instead better,” Samson added.

With two games remaining, RR is well-positioned to finish in the top two and secure a place in the playoffs.

MS Dhoni's Potential Farewell at Chepauk: A Moment of Nostalgia for CSK Fans

MS Dhoni’s Potential Farewell at Chepauk: A Moment of Nostalgia for CSK Fans

MS Dhoni’s Potential Farewell at Chepauk: A Moment of Nostalgia for Chennai Super Kings Fans

The upcoming Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the iconic Chepauk Stadium has sparked speculation that it could be legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni’s final game on home turf. This possibility has sent shockwaves through the state of Tamil Nadu, where Dhoni has become an icon over the years.

The CSK franchise has further fueled the rumors by urging fans to stay back after the game, hinting at “something special.” This has added to the drama surrounding Dhoni’s potential farewell. The match against RR is CSK’s final home game in the league stages, with their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 18 in Bengaluru marking their final game of the league stage.

Dhoni, who has been a key figure in CSK’s success over the years, has hinted at retirement in the past. In 2020, he stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja. However, he continued to play as a wicketkeeper-batsman, guiding the team to their fourth IPL title in 2021.

This season, Dhoni has been in impressive form, scoring 136 runs in 10 innings at an average of 68.00 and a strike rate of 226.66. He has hit 11 fours and 12 sixes and has been dismissed only twice.

If this is indeed Dhoni’s final game at Chepauk, it will be a poignant moment for both the player and the fans. Dhoni has been a beloved figure in Chennai, leading the team to three IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. His calm demeanor, strategic leadership, and explosive batting have made him a fan favorite.

The possibility of Dhoni’s retirement has also raised questions about the future of CSK. The team has relied heavily on Dhoni’s experience and leadership over the years, and his departure would leave a significant void. However, the franchise has a strong core of young players who are ready to step up and take on more responsibility.

CSK's Gaikwad Thrives Under Dhoni's Guidance, MI's Pandya Faces Playoff Disappointment

CSK’s Gaikwad Thrives Under Dhoni’s Guidance, MI’s Pandya Faces Playoff Disappointment

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed significant captaincy changes this season, with two of its most successful teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), entrusting new leaders. MS Dhoni, the legendary CSK captain, has passed the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad, while Hardik Pandya has taken over the reins at MI, succeeding Rohit Sharma.

CSK’s leadership transition has been seamless, with minimal disruption to the established hierarchy. In contrast, MI has faced considerable backlash following their unexpected setback, becoming the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs race.

Reflecting on his new role, Gaikwad has emphasized Dhoni’s supportive stance while allowing him autonomy in decision-making. “Last year, I was thinking about what changes I would make if I were captain,” Gaikwad said. “I’m happy that I took control of the first game and didn’t ask for suggestions from Dhoni.”

Dhoni has given Gaikwad full responsibility, offering guidance only when necessary. “He said, ‘Whatever you do, it’s your decision and responsibility. I won’t interfere. I’ll help with field angles if needed, but you’ll have to take care of the batting order and everything else,'” Gaikwad revealed.

As CSK aims to secure a playoff berth, Gaikwad’s leadership faces a crucial test against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday. RR, currently second in the standings, will be looking to bounce back from successive defeats and consolidate their playoff entry under Sanju Samson’s leadership.

MS Dhoni's Cameo Fails to Save CSK from Defeat Against GT

MS Dhoni’s Cameo Fails to Save CSK from Defeat Against GT

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a narrow defeat against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, despite a valiant cameo from MS Dhoni. The match witnessed a high-scoring affair, with GT posting a formidable total of 232 runs.

CSK’s chase got off to a shaky start, but Dhoni’s arrival at the crease brought a glimmer of hope. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman unleashed his trademark helicopter shot against GT’s star spinner Rashid Khan, sending the ball soaring over the boundary.

Despite Dhoni’s heroics, CSK fell short of the target, losing by 16 runs. However, the team’s focus remains on securing a spot in the playoffs, where the Net Run Rate (NRR) plays a crucial role.

Rashid Khan, who was on the receiving end of Dhoni’s onslaught, expressed his admiration for the Indian legend. “Once Dhoni comes into the stadium, it’s a different kind of love. We’re so lucky to be playing with him,” said Khan.

The Afghan spinner also praised his teammates Shubman Gill and Said Sudharsan, who both scored centuries in the match. “They were amazing, we love to see them batting,” said Khan.

CSK’s defeat leaves them in a precarious position in the playoffs race. With six wins and six defeats in 12 matches, the team occupies fourth place in the points table. They can ill afford to drop any more points if they want to secure a berth in the knockout stages.

CSK Opt to Bowl First Against GT in Crucial IPL Encounter

CSK Opt to Bowl First Against GT in Crucial IPL Encounter

Chennai Super Kings Opt to Bowl First Against Gujarat Titans in IPL Clash

In the 59th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and elected to bowl first against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 10, 2024.

CSK, currently placed fourth in the standings with 12 points, made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Rachin Ravindra for Richard Gleeson. GT, who have lost seven matches in 11 outings and are languishing at the 10th spot, also made a single alteration, with Kartik Tyagi replacing Joshua Little.

Speaking at the toss, Gaikwad expressed confidence in his team’s ability to chase down any target. “We will bowl first. Looks a good wicket, to be honest. It’s been a chasing ground, so we will look to chase. Pretty much similar to Chennai. We didn’t like a red solid wicket much. Pretty relaxed. You tend to lose many games in IPL, you have to back everyone and make sure everyone is in a good head space. We had injuries in between, but happy. Rachin comes in for Gleeson,” said Gaikwad.

GT captain Shubman Gill admitted that his team’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs are slim but vowed to fight hard. “Would have bowled first as well, looks a good wicket. There’s a 1% chance of qualifying, so we are going to try hard for that. The mood is like any other match, we as a team believe in doing the best we can. Will be a good surface to bat on. Will score runs and try to restrict them. Wade comes in for Saha who has a niggle. In order to balance the team combination Kartik Tyagi comes in for Jos Little,” said Gill.

Teams:

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI):

* Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
* Rachin Ravindra
* Daryl Mitchell
* Shivam Dube
* Moeen Ali
* Ravindra Jadeja
* MS Dhoni (Wk)
* Mitchell Santner
* Shardul Thakur
* Tushar Deshpande
* Simarjeet Singh

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI):

* Shubman Gill (C)
* Sai Sudharsan
* Shahrukh Khan
* David Miller
* Matthew Wade (Wk)
* Rahul Tewatia
* Rashid Khan
* Noor Ahmad
* Umesh Yadav
* Mohit Sharma
* Kartik Tyagi

MS Dhoni's Batting Position: Strategy or Injury Concern?

MS Dhoni’s Batting Position: Strategy or Injury Concern?

MS Dhoni’s Batting Position and Fitness: A Strategic Move or Injury Concern?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming has addressed concerns regarding MS Dhoni’s batting position and fitness after the former India captain batted at No. 9 in the team’s last game against Punjab Kings.

Fleming dismissed any injury concerns, stating that Dhoni’s late entry was a strategic decision based on workload management. “We’ve seen earlier on, when he recovered from knee surgery last year, that there was a certain workload this year that he can manage,” Fleming explained.

The coach emphasized that CSK values Dhoni’s experience and leadership, particularly in the latter stages of the innings. “We want to keep MS Dhoni on the field doing what he does best, which is the last two-three-four overs with the bat, and his keeping and his ability… the sheer technical advice for the new captain is really important.”

However, Fleming acknowledged that Dhoni’s physical limitations require careful consideration. “Physically it’s risky,” he said. “We’ve seen early on in the season, a little bit of muscle injury – if he does bat too long, we run the risk of losing him.”

Fleming clarified that Dhoni’s role is solely as a hitter in the death overs, with his batting number and number of balls faced dependent on the match situation. “There’s no other reason – he had a side strain way back, game three, game four. And we’ve just been nursing that through,” Fleming said.

Despite concerns raised by former cricketers and images of Dhoni walking with an ice pack strapped to his leg, Fleming insisted that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is fit to play. “He can run. It’s just that he isn’t going to bat for a long period of time,” he said. “Keeping is fine. He’s very economical with his movements, so he can keep in his… his hands, his hand-eye [coordination] and speed is as good as anyone.”

With three games remaining in the group stage of IPL 2024, CSK is well-positioned to qualify for the playoffs. Dhoni’s strategic batting position and continued fitness will be crucial to the team’s success.

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